Well fishing tool



Dec. 3, 1957 D. T. BUNDY 2,315,241

WELL FISHING TOOL Filed Oct. l2, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet l DCC- 3, 1957 D. T. BUNDY 2,815,241

WELL FISHING Toor.

Filed ont. 12, 195e 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A76. s. me. e. F/G. a.

all

INVENToR. DAV/0 77 SUA/DY,

ATTOe/VEYS 2,315,241 rliateinteii Dec. 3, 1957 WELL FISHING TOOL David T. Bundy, Tyler, Tex., assignor to Cecil L. Yarbrough, Snyder, Tex.

Application October 12, 1956, Serial No. 615,668

18 Claims. (Cl. 294-96) This invention relates generally to drilling apparatus and is more particularly concerned with a novel tool for fishing from a bore of a well impacted or broken stands of pipe, for example in -oil wells, although the apparatus is readily usable in other type well bores.

When drilling an oil well, for example, the bore thereof must oftentimes extend thousands of feet below the surface of the ground due to changes in the strata involved, and tubular stands of drill pipe used in a conventional drilling operation at times are broken a great distance below the surface of the ground due to an impacted drill bit, for example, and accordingly before the drilling of the well can proceed the broken sections must be removed. The prior art in the past has disclosed various means for accomplishing this purpose, oftentimes the apparatus involved is very expensive, complicated to use and generally not satisfactory.

A primary object of invention is to provide a novel well iishing tool for removing stands of pipe impacted or broken off therein, said tool incorporating means for aligning a broken stand of pipe in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of a well bore in which it is disposed, and further including wedge-clamping means engageable with the inner and outer periphery of the stand of pipe to be removed from the Well bore, said tool including means wherein the same may be lowered and rotated about its longitudinal axis in the well bore and raised after being secured to the broken stand of pipe.

A further object of invention in conformance with that set forth is to provide a novel well fishing tool of the character involved incorporating novel means in conjunction with the Wedge-clamping means thereof for properly orienting the longitudinal axis of a broken stand of pipe relative to the longitudinal axis of the well bore and that of the tool being utilized to remove the broken stand of plpe.

A still further object of invention in conformance with that set forth is to provide a novel well fishing tool of the character involved which incorporates first and second wedge-clamping means having relative longitudinal movement, one of which engageable with the outer periphery of a stand of broken pipe to be removed from an oil well, the other of which slidingly and frictionally extending into the broken stand of pipe wherein relative longitudinal movement between the Wedge-clamping means and application of longitudinal tension on the tool results in the wedge-clamping means engaged with the inner periphery of the stand of broken pipe being further urged into engagement therewith due to the weight of the stand of pipe being removed from the well bore.

And a still further object of invention in conformance with that set forth is to provide in a novel Well fishing y And a still further object of invention in conformance with that set forth is to provide a well fishing tool of the character involved which is readily and economically manufactured, easily used, and highly practical, safe and acceptable for the purpose intended.

These together with other objects and advantages which will subsequently become apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which;

Figure 1 is an elevation view of a typical oil well bore, portions being broken away and shown in section for clarify, showing the manner in which the novel well fishing tool is used to remove a stand of broken pipe from the well bore;

Figure 2 is an enlarged elevation view of the novel well fishing tool, portions being broken away and shown in section for clarity, a fragmentary upper end portion of a stand of pipe to be removed from a well bore being shown by means of phantom lines;

Figure 3 is an elevation view of the novel well fishing tool, somewhat enlarged over Figure l, showing the manner in which additional guide means may be utilized on the tool for orienting the longitudinal axis of a stand of broken pipe relative to the longitudinal axis of the novel tool and the well bore;

Figure 4 is a section view taken substantially on the plane of line 4-4 of Figure 3, on a further enlarged scale; y v

Figure 5 is an elevation view, similar to Figure 2, sholwing another embodiment of the novel well fishing too Figure 6 is a vertical section view taken substantially on the plane of line 6-6 of Figure 5, showing by means of phantom lines a fragmentary portion of the upper end of a stand of pipe to be removed from a well bore;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary Sectional view, showing a portion of Figure 6, and showing the manner in which the parts are disposed when removing a stand of pipe from a well bore with the novel tool;

Figure 8 is a vertical elevation view similar to Figures 2 and 5, showing a still further embodiment of the novel well fishing tool, a portion being broken away and shown 1n section for clarity;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary vertical section View taken substantially on the plane of line 9-9 of Figure 8, showing by means of phantom lines an upper fragmentary portion of a stand of pipe to be removed from a well bore;

Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of some of the parts of the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9; and

Figure 1l is a fragmentary sectional View, similar to a portion of Figure 9, showing a still further embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawing in detail, and especially to Figure 1 the strata in which a Well bore is being sunk is indicated generally at 10, said well bore being indicated at 12 and being suitably lined, if desired with a tubular casing 14. Indicated generally at 16 is a rotary table incorporating suitable clamping means 18 for engaging an intermediate portion of a plurality of longitudinally :aligned and secured drill pipe stands indicated generally at 20 which are generally utilized for lowering and rotating a tool bit within the well bore. Suitably connected to the upper end of the drill pipe stands 20 above the ground surface G is a suitable connecting member 22 incorporating means thereon for connection to a suitable conduit 24 in communication with a conventional pump and drilling uid source for providing pressurized drilling uid in the drill pipe stands 20. The connecting means 22 incorporates a suitable shackle 26 for connection to a hoisting cable or vchain 28. The heretofore described structure is conventional and well known and accordingly further description is believed to be unnecessary.

Located at the bottom of the well bore 12 is a suitable tool bit 30 which is integral with an elongated portion of a broken stand of pipe indicated at 32.

The novel well fishing tool is indicated generally at 34 and the purpose of the same is to dispose the stand of broken pipe in a properly oriented position `relative to the longitudinal axis of the well bore and that of the well fishing tool in order that the stand of pipe may be readily removed as will subsequently become apparent.

The well fishing tool 34 comprises a body member 36 which is substantially elongated and has a circular cross section if preferred. The body member 36 `has suitably secured on the upper end thereofa suitablevcoupling element 38 engageable with the lower end 40 of the lowermost of the stands of drill pipe 20.

The body member 36 includes at its lower end a reduced diameter portion 42 defining a shoulder 44 and is externally threaded as indicated at 46. An internally threaded abutment collar 48 is disposed on the threaded portion 46 being longitudinally adjustable thereon. The portion 42 of the body member includes on an intermediate portion thereof a threaded portion 50, the function of which to subsequently become apparent, and continues as a longitudinally extending reduced diametered guide portion 52 having a smaller diameter than the stand of pipe being removed from the oil well bore, the lower end portion of which being pointed or tapered as indicated at 54 for extending into the upper open end of the stand of broken pipe and disposing the longitudinal axis thereof in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the novel tool. Extending between portion 42 and guideportion 52 of the body member 36 is an integral first wedging means comprising an annular collar 56 tapered from the outer surface of portion 42 and converging toward the outer surface of the guide portion 52. The annular collar 56 has extending thereabout a helical die-cutting portion 58 for engagement with the inner periphery 'of the stand of broken pipe and for cutting therein; downward movement of said wedging means resulting in the same to be forcibly and wedgedly urged into engagement about the inner periphery of the stand of broken pipe. For the purpose of permitting drilling fluid, cuttings from the broken pipe resulting from rotation of the helical die-cutting portion etc. to pass the annular collar, the same may incorporate on the outer surface thereof through the helical die-cutting portion longitudinally extending grooves 60.

The body member 36 has extending longitudinally therethrough a bore or passage portion 62 for accommodating the passage of a drilling fluid therethrough, said passage portion 62 extending down to the terminal end of guide portion 52, the tapered end portion 54 incorporating a plurality of longitudinally extending slots opening radially from the passage portion or bore 62, said slots being indicated at 64.

An elongated tubular sleeve-66 is circumposed about portion 42 and comprises an integral part of the body member 36. The sleeve 66 is internally threaded as indicated at 68 being received on the threaded portion 46 of the body member. The lower end portion of the sleeve 66 comprises second wedging means consisting of an annular flared collar or sleeve 70 circumposed in spaced relationship about the first wedging means 56, said second wedging means incorporating about the inner periphery thereof a helical die-cutting portion 72 engageable with the outer periphery of the stand of broken -pipe to be removed from the well bore. Extending longitudinally and opening into the lower edge 74 of sleeve 66 are a plurality of radially disposed slots 76 facilitating the passage of drilling fluid and the removal of impacting ma- `terial from the well bore.

By properly adjusting the abutting collar 48 the lower 'edge 74 may be longitudinally adjusted relative .to .the

wedging means 56 and accordingly when removing a stand of broken pipe from the well bore, the guide portion S2, which will be properly sized relative to the inner diameter of the stand of broken pipe to be removed from the Well bore, will extend into the open top thereof whereafter continued downward movement of the novel tool results in engagement of the first wedging means in the inner periphery of the stand of broken pipe and continued downward movement of the tool results in engagement of the second wedging means on the outer periphery of the stand of broken pipe. Although this embodiment of invention has been disclosed to show the tubular sleeve 66 as being longitudinally adjustable relative to the guide portion of the body member, for example, this feature of adjustment is merely for convenience, and accordingly the sleeve 66 might be constructed in a fixedly secured position by means of welding, for example. This condition being equivalent to that when the abutment collar 48 is rotated by means of a suitable tool into locking engagement with the upper end of the sleeve 66.

For the purpose of aiding the guide portion 52 of the tool for disposing the stand of broken pipe in longitudinal alignment with the longitudinal axis of the tool, a helical coil 78 may be circumposed about the body member 36, the upper end 80 of said coil being suitably secured by means of a suitable fastener 82 to a suitably secured collar 84 fixed on the upper end of the body member 36. The lower end 86 of the helical coil may have a converging or pointed end portion 88 suitably sharpened for cutting into material impacting the stand of broken pipe. Thus as the tool is rotated about its longitudinal axis by means of the stands of drill pipe 20, the sharpened lower end 88 will cut away material about the outer periphery of the broken stand of drill pipe and eventually the coil 78 will be circumposed about the outerperiphery of the drill pipe to be removed from the well of the bore, after which the tool operates in the manner previously described. It will be noted that the helical coil will convey on its upper edge impacting material cut from around the stand of broken pipe.

Considering Figures 5 through 7, parts similar to that of the previously disclosed embodiment are described by means vof similar reference characters. In this embodiment included on the inner periphery of the sleeve 66 at the juncture between the die-cutting portion 72 of the wedging means 70 and the inner periphery of the sleeve 66 is a suitably secured collar 92 which incorporates an internally threaded bore 94 engageable on the threaded portion S0 of portion 42 of the body member. The guide portion of the body member comprises a reduced diameter portion 96 extending longitudinally from the threaded portion 50, and terminates in a lower pointed portion 98. The guide portion 96 and lower pointed portion 98 thereof cooperate in the identical manner as the heretofore described embodiment. Furthermore, if desired, the helical coil 78 may be utilized in the embodiment of Figure 5 as well as in all subsequent embodiments to be described.

The guide portion 96 comprises an elongated camming and guide slot 100 extending angularly from a medial portion of the guide portion at the juncture thereof with the threaded portion 50 and converging at 100 in a lower outer surface portion of guide portion 96. The longitudinal bore or passage portion 62 extending through the body member 36 extends angularly at 102 communicating with the upper end of the guide slot 100, see Figure 6.

An elongated tapered wedge element 104 is reciprocably received in the guide slot 100 and is of a shorter length than said-guide slot, including a segmental or partial thread Yformed the length thereof on the side 106 extending out of the guide slot 100, said threads being engageable Iwith therinternal threaded portion v94 of collar 92 in the manner most clearly seen in Figure 6. The wedge element 104 is normally disposed in alignment with or below the outer periphery of the guide portion 96 thus permitting ready entry of said guide portion into the open upper end of the broken stand of pipe. For the purpose of permitting ready communication of drilling fluid through the bore portions 62 and 102, the wedge element includes a transverse slot portion 108 in the upper end thereof communicating with the bore portion 102 thus permitting passage therethrough of drilling uid.

First considering Figure 6, it will be noted that the abutment collar 48 is spaced as indicated at 110 from the top of sleeve 66. The guide portion 96 enters the open upper end of the stand of broken pipe and will move downwardly therein until the die-cutting portions 72 in sleeve 66 engages the outer vperiphery of the upper end of the broken pipe. When this occurs, portion 42 and guide portion 96 integral therewith will continue to rotate and accordingly the wedge element 104 will move downwardly away from the threaded sleeve or collar 92. When the segmental threaded portion 106 of the wedge element is no longer engaged by the threaded portion 94 the wedge element 104 will move along the guide slot 100, this being defined as moving longitudinally and radially of the guide portion 96. Continued rotation of the tool will result in the abutment collar 48 engaging the upper end of the sleeve 66 whereafter the wedging means 70 will engage the outer periphery of the upper end of the broken stand of pipe functioning in the manner heretofore described. When tension is applied through the stands of pipe 20 longitudinally of the tool, the broken stand of pipe to be removed from the well bore having been engaged by the wedging means of the tool said tension together with the weight of the stand of pipe 32 will result in the wedge element 104 being forcibly urged into the inner periphery of the stand of pipe 32 as seen in Figure 7.

Considering Figures 8 and 9, this embodiment of invention is substantially identical with that shown in Figures through 7, however the abutment collar 48 clampingly engages the upper end of sleeve 60. The wedge element 104 is replaced with a wedge assembly indicated generally at 112 which is reciprocably received in the guide slot 100 of the guide portion 96. The wedge assembly 112 comprises a suitable wedge element 114 of a shorter length than the guide slot M90 and including a side portion 116 extending angularly from an adjacent side wall of the guide slot 100. Frictionally driven between the angular side portion 116 and the adjacent side wall of the guide slot 100 is a locking-wedge element 118 which may be displaced upwardly in portion 120 of the guide slot 100, the locking wedge element 118 being suitably proportioned for this purpose. The upper end of the locking-wedge element 118 has extending transversely therethrough a bore portion 124 through which extends a suitably secured end 126 of a flexible force transmitting cable 128 which is threaded through the bores 62 and 102 above the ground surface, and after the fishing tool has descended and is engaged in a predetermined relationship with the stand of pipe to be removed, tension is applied on the cable 128, this releasing the wedge element 114 permitting the same to move downwardly in the guide slot 100 to perform in the identical manner as the wedge element 104 of the embodiment of Figures l through 7.

Considering Figure ll, the wedge assembly is identical to that of the embodiment shown in Figures 9 through 10, however, the wedge element 118 is replaced with a wedge element 130 functioning in the identical manner with wedge element 114 as previously described in the embodiment of Figures 8 through 10. The wedge element 130 incorporates at its upper end a laterally extending abutment portion 132 extending out of or beyond the outer surface of the guide portion and accordingly when said guide portion 96 moves into the upper open end of the stand of broken pipe abutment portion 132 will engage the upper edge of the stand of pipe and continue downward movement of the tool indicated by the dotted direction arrow in Figure 11 will result in the locking-wedge element 132 moving into the space of the guide slot 100 accordingly permitting downward and upward movement of the wedge element 114 in the guide slot 100.

Thus for the purpose of convenience of illustration, a substantially similar body member 36 has been shown for all embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be considered within the purview of invention that wherein the abutment collar 48, for example, is not longitudinally spaced from the upper end of sleeve 66 for the purpose of permitting relative longitudinal movement between the first wedging means 104 relative to the second wedging means 70 shown in the embodiment of invention of Figures 4 through 7, the tubular sleeve 60 may be constructed integral on the body member if desired. Obviously, each of the embodiments of invention permit the communication or circulation of a drilling uid through the fishing tools.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

l. A well iishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plurality of stands of pipel for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a pointed terminal end for extending into the upper open end of impacted or broken pipe in a well bore, first integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, and a second integral wedging means on the body member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the first wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the lirst wedging means is engaged therewith, the guide portion having a diameter suicient to permit the movement thereof into the pipe stand to be removed, the first wedging means comprising an annular collar on the guide portion tapering from the outer surface of the guide portion away from the terminal end thereof and being of a greater diameter than the guide portion, and a helically disposed cutting-die portion extending about the outer periphery of the annular collar.

2. A well fishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plurality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a pointed terminal end for extending into the upper open end of irnpacted or broken pipe in a well bore, first integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, and a second integral wedging means on the body member circumposed in spaced relatio-n longitudinally of the first wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the first wedging means is engaged therewith, said second wedging means comprising an annular flared sleeve extending out asiazar of the outer periphery of the body member, and a helically disposed cutting-die portion extending about the inner periphery of the ared sleeve.

3. A well fishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plurality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a pointed terminal end for extending into the upper open end or" impacted or broken pipe in a Well bore, first integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, and a second integral wedging means on the body member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the rst wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the first wedging means is engaged therewith, the guide portion having a diameter sufficient to permit the movement thereof into the pipe stand to be removed, the first wedging means comprising an annular collar on the guide portion tapering from the outer surface of the guide portion away from the terminal end thereof and being of a greater diameter than the guide portion, and a helically disposed cutting-die portion extending about the outer periphery of the annular collar, said second wedging means comprising an annular liared sleeve extending out of the outer periphery of the body member, and a helically disposed cutting-die portion extending about the inner periphery of the flared sleeve.

4. A well iishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plurality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a pointed terminal end for extending into the upper open end of impacted or broken pipe in Ia well bore, first integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, and a second integral wedging means on the body member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the first wedging means `for engaging the youter periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the rst wedging means is engaged therewith, the guide portion having a diameter sufcient to permit the movement thereof into the pipe stand to be removed, the iirst wedging means comprising an annular collar on the guide portion tapering from the outer surface of the guide prtion away from the terminal end thereof and being of a greater diameter than the guide portion, and a helically disposed cutting-die portion extending about the outer periphery of the annular collar, said second wedging means comprising an annular ilared sleeve extending out of the outer periphery of the body member, and a helically disposed cutting-die portion extending about the inner periphery of the iiared sleeve, said body member including a longitudinal bore therethrough for accommodating the passage of a drilling iiuid. said bore opening at the terminal end of the guide portion.

5. A well fishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal valignment with a plurality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a pointed terminal end for extending into the upper open end of impacted or broken pipe in a well bore, first integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide 'portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe vstand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, a second integral wedging means on the body member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the first wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the first wedging means is engaged therewith, and a helical coil member on the body member in spaced circumposed relationship about the outer periphery of the guide portion, the helical coil terminating below the terminal end of said guide portion for engaging the outer periphery of the upper endof an impacted pipe and orienting the longitudinal axis thereof with rthat of the well bore and guide portion permitting ready insertion of the terminal end of said guide portion into the stand of pipe and for cutting and conveying impaction material from about the outer periphery oithe impacted `stand of pipe.

6. A well shing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands'of pipe in a Well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in'longitudinal alignment with a plurality of vstands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in -a well bore, said body member including an elongated-lower lguide portion including a pointed terminal 4end for extending into the upper open end of impacted-or -broken -pipe in a well bore, first integral wedging ymeans on an intermediate portion ofthe guide portionof the body member `for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand yas the tool is rotated and descends intothe well bore, a second integral wedging means on the body Vmember circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the rst wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the rst wedging means is engaged therewith, and a helical coil member on the body .member in spaced circumposed relationship about theouter periphery of the guide portion, the/helical coil terminating below the terminal end of'said guide portion-for engaging the outer periphery of the upper end of an impacted pipe and orienting the longitudinalaxis thereof with that of the well bore'and guide portion permitting ready insertion of the terminal end of said guide portion into the stand of pipe and for cutting and conveying impaction material from about the outer periphery of the impacted stand of pipe, said body member including a longitudinal bore therethrough for accommodating the passage of a drilling fluid, said bore opening at the terminal end of the guide portion.

7. A well fishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plurality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a pointed terminal end for extending into the upper open end of impacted or broken pipe in a well bore, first integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, a second integral wedging means on the body member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the first wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the first wedging means is engaged therewith, and `a helical coil 'member on the body member in spaced circumposed relationship about the outer periphery of the guide portion, the helical coil terminating below the terminal end of said guide portion for engaging the outer periphery of the upper end of an impacted pipe and orienting the longitudinal axis thereof with that of the well bore `and guide portion permitting ready insertion of the terminal end of said guide portion into the stand of pipe and for cutting and conveying impaction material from about the outer periphery of the impacted stand of pipe, the guide portion having a diameter sufficient to permit the movement thereof into the pipe `stand tp be removed, tbe first astanti wedging means comprising an annular coll-ar on the guide portion tapering from the outer surface of the guide portion away from the terminal end thereof and being of a greater diameter than the guide portion, and a helically disposed cutting-die portion extending about the outer periphery of the annular collar.

8. A well iishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plurality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a Well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a pointed terminal end for extending into the upper open end of impacted or broken pipe in a well bore, first integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, a second integral wedging means on the body member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the rst wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the rst wedging means is engaged therewith, and a helical coil member on the body member in spaced circumposed relationship about the outer periphery of the guide portion, the helical coil terminating below the terminal end of said guide portion for engaging the outer periphery of the upper end of an impacted pipe and orienting the longitudinal axis thereof with that of the well bore and guide portion permitting ready insertion of the terminal end of said guide portion into the stand of pipe and for cutting and conveying impaction material from about the outer periphery of the impacted stand of pipe, said second wedging means comprising an annular ared sleeve extending out of the outer periphery of the body member, and a helically disposed cuttingdie portion extending about the inner periphery of the flared sleeve.

9. A well fishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plurality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a pointed terminal end for extending into the upper open end of impacted or broken pipe in a well bore, rst integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, a second integral wedging means on the body `member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the irst wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the irst wedging means is engaged therewith, and a helical coil member on the body member in spaced circumposed relationship about the outer periphery of the guide portion, the helical coil terminating below the terminal end of said guide portion for engaging the outer periphery of the upper end of an impacted pipe and orienting the longitudinal axis thereof with that of the well bore and guide portion permitting ready insertion of the terminal end of said guide portion into the stand of pipe and for cutting and conveying impaction material from about the outer periphery of the impacted stand of pipe, the guide portion having a diameter suflicient to permit the movement thereof into the pipe stand to be removed, the iirst wedging means comprising an annular collar on the guide portion tapering from the outer surface of the guide portion away from the terminal end thereof and being of a greater diameter than the guide portion, and a helically disposed cutting-die portion extending about the outer periphery of the annular collar, said second wedging means comprising an annular ared sleeve extending out Vof the outer periphery of the body member, and a helically disposed cutting-die portion extending about the inner periphery of the dared sleeve.

10. A well fishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plurality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a pointed terminal end for extending into the upper open end of impacted or broken pipe in a well bore, rst integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, a second integral wedging means on the body member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the iirst wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the iirst wedging means is engaged therewith, and a helical coil member on the body member in spaced circumposed relationship about the outer periphery of the guide portion, the helical coil terminating below the terminal end of said guide portion for engaging the outer periphery of the upper end of an impacted pipe and orienting the longitudinal axis thereof with that of the Well bore and guide portion permitting ready insertion of the terminal end of said guide portion into the stand of pipe and for cutting and conveying impaction material from about the outer periphery of the impacted stand of pipe, the guide portion having a diameter sufficient to permit the movement thereof into the pipe stand to be removed, the iirst Wedging means comprising an annular collar on the guide portion tapering from the outer surface of the guide portion away from the terminal end thereof and being of a greater diameter than the guide portion, and a helically disposed cutting-die portion extending about the outer periphery of the annular collar, said second wedging means comprising an annular ared sleeve extending out of the outer periphery of the body member, and a helically disposed cutting-die portion extending about the inner periphery of the flared sleeve, said body member including a longitudinal bore therethrough for accommodating the passage of a drilling uid, said bore opening at the terminal end of the guide portion.

11. A well fishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a Well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plurality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a Well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a pointed termi'- nal end for extending into the upper open end of impacted or broken pipe in a well bore, first integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, and a second integral wedging means on the body member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the iirst wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the first wedging means is engaged therewith, said first and second wedging means having relative longitudinal movement, said first wedging means comprising a wedge element on the guide portion, and means for disposing the wedge element longtiudinally and radially from the outer surface of the guide portion wherein tension along the longitudinal axis of the body member and the weight of the pipe being removed from the well bore grippingly engages the guide portion on the inner periphery of the stand of pipe being removed from the well bore.

l2. A well fishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plu-I rality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudina axis in a well bore, said body member including an elongatedy lower guide portion including a` pointed terminal end for extending into the upper openend of impacted or broken pipe in a well bore, first integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, and a second integral wedgingmeans on the body member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinallyof the fist wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the first wedging means is engaged therewith, said first and second wedging means having relative llongitudinal movement, said first wedging means comprising a wedge element on the guide portion, and means for disposing the vwedge element longitudinally and radially from the outer surface of the guide portion wherein tension along the longitudinal axis of the body member and the weight of the pipe being removed from the well-bore grippingly engages the guide portion on the inner periphery of the stand of pipe being removed from the well bore, said body member including a longitudinal bore portion for accommodating the passage of drilling fluid therethrough and communicating the same to the lower end of the tool.

13. A well fishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plurality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a pointed terminal end for extending into the upper open end of impacted or broken pipe in a well bore, first integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, a second rintegral wedging means on the body member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the first wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the first wedging means is engaged therewith, said first and second wedging means having relative longitudinal movement, said first wedging means comprising a wedge element on the guide portion, and means for disposing the wedge element longitudinally and radially from the outer surface of the guide portion wherein tension along the longitudinal axis of the body member :1nd the weight of the pipe being removed from the well bore grippingly engages the guide portion on the inner periphery of the stand of pipe being removed from the well bore, and a helical coil member on the body member in spaced circumposed relationship about the outer periphery of the guide portion, the helical coil terminating below the terminal end of said guide portion for engaging the outer periphery of the upper end of an impacted pipe and orienting the longitudinal axis thereof with that of the well bore and guide portion permitting ready insertion of the terminal end of said guide portion into the stand of pipe and for cutting and conveying impaction material from about the outer periphery of the impacted stand of pipe.

14. A well fishing tool for removing impacted and brok-en tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plurality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a pointed terminal end for extending into the upper open end of impacted or broken pipe in a well bore, first integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, and a second integral wedging means on the body member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the Afirst wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the first wedging means is engaged therewith, said body member comprising Ian externally threaded increased diameter portion above the guide portion, an internally threaded tubular sleeve rotatably supported on said threaded portion, said guide portion including an elongated camming and guide slot extending longitudinally and angularly of the longitudinal axis of the guide portion and converging into a lower outer surface portion thereof, a tapered wedge of a shorter length than the guide slot reciprocably disposed in said slot, relative longitudinal movement of the wedge downv`wardly in said guide slot urging the wedge radially of said guide slot, said wedge including a segmental externally threaded edge portion removably retained in the lower end of the internally threaded sleeve, said sleeve comprising the second wedging means including a lower outwardly flared skirt including a helical die-cutting portion on the inner periphery thereof for engaging the upper end of the stand of pipe to be removed from the well bore, and a longitudinally adjustable abutment element on the increased diameter portion of the body member engageable with the upper end of the sleeve and controlling the limits of downward movement of the guide portion in the tubular sleeve when the sleeve first engages the upper end of a stand of pipe to be removed from the well bore, ycontinued rotation thereafter moving the wedge element below the lower end of the tubular sleeve and permitting the same to move downwardly and outwardly relative to the guide slot.

l5. A well fishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plurality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a point terminal end for extending into the upper open end of impacted or broken pipe in a well bore, first integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, and a second integral wedging means on the body member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the first wedging means for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the first wedging means is engaged therewith, said body member comprising an externally threaded increased diameter portion above the guide portion, an internally threaded tubular sleeve rotatably supported on said threaded portion, said guide portion including an elongated camming and guide slot extending longitudinally and angularly of the longitudinal axis of the guide portion `and converging into a lower outer surface portion thereof, a tapered wedge of a shorter length than the guide slot reciprocably disposed in said slot, relative longitudinal movement of the wedge downwardly in said guide slot urging the wedge radially of said guide slot, said wedge including a segmental externally threaded edge portion removably retained in the lower end of the internally threaded sleeve, said sleeve comprising the second wedging means including a lower outwardly flared skirt including a helical die-cutting portion on the inner periphery thereof for engaging the upper end of the stand ofvpipe to be removed from the well bore, and a longitudinally adjustable abutment element on the increased diameter portion of the body member engageable with the upper end of the sleeve and controlling the limits of downward movement of the guide portion in the tubular sleeve when the sleeve first engages the upper end of a stand of pipe to be removed from the well bore, continued rotation thereafter moving the wedge element below the lower end of the tubular sleeve and permitting the same to move downwardly and outwardly relative to the guide slot, said body member including a longitudinal bore portion therethrough for accommodating the passage of drilling fluid, said bore portion terminating in the guide slot, the wedge element including a transverse notch in the upper edge thereof for alignment'with'the bore portion and permitting drilling fluid to pass therethrough.

16. A well fishing tool for removing impacted and broken tubular stands of pipe in a well bore comprising an elongated body member including a coupling means at one end for securement in longitudinal alignment with a plurality of stands of pipe for rotation about its longitudinal axis in a well bore, said body member including an elongated lower guide portion including a pointed terminal end for extending into the upper open end of impacted or broken pipe in a well bore, tirst integral wedging means on an intermediate portion of the guide portion of the body member for engaging the inner periphery of a pipe stand as the tool is rotated and descends into the well bore, and a second integral wedging means on the body member circumposed in spaced relation longitudinally of the first wedging means `for engaging the outer periphery of the pipe stand to be removed after the iirst wedging means is engaged therewith, said iirst and second Wedging means having relative longitudinal movement, said first wedging means comprising a wedge element on the guide portion, and means for disposing the wedge element longitudinally and radially from the outer surface of the guide portion wherein tension along the longitudinal axis of the body member and the weight of the pipe being removed from the well bore grippingly engages the guide portion on the inner periphery of the stand of pipe being removed from the well bore, said last mentioned means comprising an elongated camming and guide slot extending longitudinally and angularly of the longitudinal axis of the guide portion and converging into a lower outer surface of said guide portion, said wedge element being reciprocably disposed in the camming and guide slot, a longitudinally displaceable lockwedge element retaining the first mentioned wedge element in the guide slot, and means on said lockwedge element for upwardly displacing the same relative to the first mentioned wedge element permitting said lirst mentioned wedge element to move downwardly and radially toward the inner periphery of the stand of pipe to be removed from the well bore.

17. in a well ishing tool of the character set forth in claim 16 wherein said body member includes a longitudinal bore therethrough opening into the guide slot, and a exible force transmitting cable extending through the bore with a lower end portion thereof secured to the lockwedge element.

13. In a well iishing tool as set forth in claim 16 wherein said last mentioned means comprises a lateral abutment on the upper end of the lock-wedge element extending beyond the outer periphery of the guide portion for engaging an upper edge portion of the stand of pipe to be removed from a well bore after the guide portion moves a predetermined distance therein.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,825,026 Thomas Sept. 29, 1931 2,539,039 Siracusa Jan. 23, 1951 2,687,322 Am Rhein Aug. 24, 1954 2,689,763 Osmun Sept. 21, 1954 

